Category: GROWING UP BEE

I’ve had 52 wonderful trips around the sun and it stands to reason that I have learned some valuable lessons. So to celebrate my birthday I am sharing some lessons that have helped to shape me.

People are fine with you as long as you stay in the place that makes them comfortable. When you step outside of the comfort zone that they have for you, they say that you are changing and they have a hard time handling it. But that’s the time that you know that you are growing. That’s the time when you should grow faster and stronger. Don’t ever let someone dictate your growth. If they can’t handle your growth then they don’t have your best interest at heart. Don’t ever stop growing no matter what.

Privilege is a powerful drug. Be sure not to overdose.

People will always have the right solution to the problem until it’s their problem to solve. Somethings are easier said than done.

When people push you in a negative way…stand up and push back. Don’t let people run over you, you deserve better than that, hell you are better than that.

Don’t miss this one… the Donald Trumps of this world won’t always look or act like him. Some exhibit the same tendencies they are just smoother with it.

You are never too old to start over. Don’t live in a space of fear. Do what makes your spirit happy & your soul sing.

You have a special power, embrace it, use it. Believe in yourself & don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Get out of your own head.

You can be your biggest cheerleader or your biggest distraction, it’s up to you.

If you’ve never driven a car you can’t teach me how to drive. If you’ve never turned on a stove you can’t teach me how to bake. Watch who you take advice from & watch who you follow.

When people throw you under the bus don’t give them the opportunity to back up over you.

You are a beacon of hope for someone, share your story, God gave it to you for a reason.

Go to therapy, not because it’s the “in”thing to do but because we all have stuff to deal with.

Don’t live in a mindset of bare minimum, live in a mindset of abundance.

We can’t help getting older but we don’t have to get old.

Don’t let one scene takeover the story of your whole life.

People interpret what you say based on their experience.

Last but certainly not least….

Protect your melanin, wear sunscreen.

I hope that you have enjoyed these lessons. I look forward to sharing more lessons next year. Meet me here July 16, 2020!

okay that’s it because my momma was born right here in Memphis,Tennessee and we ain’t nowhere near creole but Chicago brought them together so I don’t know what that makes me……Lol!!!

Last month for Mother’s Day I shared a lesson that my mom taught me so for Fathers Day I’m sharing a lesson that my father taught me. My dad died when he was only 32 years old and I was 10. But in those 10 years he taught me some very valuable and life affirming lessons. The time that we had together holds an extremely special place in my heart.

One of the most important lessons that my dad taught me was the value of an education. I promised my dad that I would go to college and earn my degree. I don’t know why that lesson stuck with me, part of it could be that he promised me a car if I went to college. Even though I knew that my mom couldn’t afford to buy me a car I knew that I was going to keep my promise. It was too important not to, so off to college I went. It wasn’t easy and I took longer than 4 years but I did it and made both of my parents proud. Together we made that promise a reality.

My dad wanted a better educational future for me compared to his. I never truly understood just how proud my dad would’ve been of me until my own children started graduating. I too want my sons to have better than I did. Just like I had to find my way my oldest is finding his way and just like my parents I will be his support to help him navigate this crazy world. My youngest, who is headed to Xavier University in New Orleans, once told me that he wanted to earn his PhD because it’s better than my MBA. All that I have to say to that is “Go Get It” but I’m not promising a car.

As we celebrate this Father’s Day, let us remember the lessons that our father’s taught us. If your dad is still alive make sure you tell him thank you for those lessons. If your dad, like mine, is no longer here on earth, whisper a prayer of thanks. He’ll receive it.

Happy Father’s Day!

Beewisdom- “A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life.” – Dr. James Dobson

Growing up my mother always told me to buy myself something out of every paycheck. It didn’t have to be anything expensive or over the top but something. “A tube of lipstick or pair of panties” Her exact words not mine.

Her thought process was that you deserve to reward yourself for all of the hard work you’ve put in for that paycheck. After paying your tithes and obligations you deserve something for you.

For the most part I have listened to that advice. Unfortunately for me that reward usually comes in the form of food. Don’t judge! I say unfortunately because I think that I would feel better if I rewarded myself with something more tangible. Say a new pair of shoes that are on sale or a makeup brush. You get the picture. I look at rewarding myself as a form of self care. It brings me joy and puts me in a good mood, thereby making me a happier person.

I keep my paycheck rewards to under $30. I really try to stay around $20. I like the thrill of finding something that makes me happy but stays within budget. Now if I want a bigger reward I save up for it and sometimes the act of saving can be my reward.

No matter which way I decide to say thank you to myself for making it through I know that my mother is proud of me & smiling down from heaven saying, “She listened” Yes momma I listened and I just bought a pair of shoes on clearance at TJ Maxx for $22.

As I was writing this post I got to thinking about some of the many lessons that my mother taught me and the advice that she gave me. So from time to time I’ll share those stories on the blog. They will live under the Growing Up Bee section. I hope you get as much out of them as I do.

What’s your favorite piece of motherly advice?

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Beewisdom- A mother is a woman who shows you the light when you just see the dark. Grimaldos Robin